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Australian haydn ensemble viennese influence

From the Sydney Opera House to Carnegie Hall Australia’s leading period-instrument group, the Australian Haydn Ensemble (AHE), has performed on some of the great stages of the world. Coming this August to NSW’s Mid-North, AHE specialises in repertoire of the late Baroque and early Classical eras. Taking their name from composer, Joseph Haydn, AHE’s flexibility and inventiveness are inspired by his fabled originality. 

Celebrating the music of Mozart, Haydn and Boccherini, AHE’s program, Viennese Influence, will explore these great composers’ relationships, whilst painting a vibrant aural picture centring around Mozart’s ‘Dissonance’ quartet. 

Beginning with Haydn's String Quartet Op. 76 No. 4, aptly nicknamed the ‘Sunrise’, this work is celebrated for its radiant and uplifting character. The quartet earns its nickname from the opening movement, which features a gradual and serene rising theme that evokes the image of a sunrise. It is a shining example of Haydn's innovative contributions to the string quartet repertoire and his enduring influence on classical music.  

Following is Boccherini’s String Quartet Op. 32 No. 5 in G Minor. This work captures a wide range of moods, from intense passion to delicate sensitivity, highlighting the composer's skill in creating vivid musical narratives and Spanish influenced drama.   

To conclude, AHE will perform Viennese Influence’s central piece, Mozart’s String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465, commonly known as ‘Dissonance’. The last in a set of six quartet’s written in dedication to Haydn, these works were of great personal significance to Mozart, so much so he referred to the works as his children.